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    Man Utd stars and staff risk Andre Onana’s wrath with touching gifts and gestures to Matic despite his row with keeper

    MANCHESTER UNITED stars have risked the wrath of keeper Andre Onana by giving Nemanja Matic a slew of gifts after their Europa League clash with Lyon.Under-fire stopper Onana was embroiled in a pre-match spat with the Lyon ace ahead of the first leg of their quarter-final tie in France on Thursday, which they drew 2-2.Manchester United keeper Andre Onana was involved in a pre-match spat with Nemanja MaticCredit: REXUnited’s staff members could draw the ire of Onana by posing for a post-match snap with MaticCredit: INSTAGRAM@NEMANJAMATICSeveral of Matic’s team-mates gifted Matic their shirts after the final whistleCredit: INSTAGRAM@NEMANJAMATICAnd the 29-year-old could very well be irked by his team-mates gifting the former United midfielder several shirts after the final whistle.Early this morning, Matic revealed that he’d been gifted shifts from Amad Diallo, Harry Maguire, Tom Heaton and Luke Shaw.The Serbian, however, didn’t keep them for his personal collection, instead gifting them to his son Filip.United’s coaching staff also showed their love for Matic as they posed for pictures with the two-time Premier League winner.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThey happily posed for a post-match snap with the 36-year-old, who just a few days ago branded Onana “one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United’s history.”Onana hit back at Matic by poking fun at the fact he didn’t win a trophy during his five seasons at Old Trafford.Matic, however, ended up having the last laugh as Onana was at fault for BOTH of Lyon’s goals due to his poor shot stopping.Man Utd files: Mainoo contract stand-off update, Garnacho replacement lined upMan Utd ratings vs Lyon as two Onana blunders earn under-fire keeper a ONE out of 10MANCHESTER UNITED were left ruing calamity goalkeeper Andre Onana as two massive blunders saw them leave their Europa League quarter-final first leg with a 2-2 draw against Lyon.The season-defining clash for both clubs became even spicier ahead of the game following a war words between Onana and ex-Red Devils star Nemanja Matic, with the Serbian dubbing the goalkeeper “one of the worst in United history”.It certainly riled up the home side’s crowd, who made their voices known as Ruben Amorim named an unchanged team – for the first time since his arrival – from the Manchester derby.But Onana was found wanting when he failed to save Thiago Almada’s inswinging free-kick to give the hosts the lead.Leny Yoro nodded in an equaliser just before the interval after Manuel Ugarte’s volley.And Joshua Zirkzee looked to have won the game for the visitors with his late header converting a Fernandes cross.But United’s joy was short-lived as Onana parried a shot straight to Rayan Cherki in added time, and the midfielder tapped in to leave the tie on a knife-edge.Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Red Devils in France…His first mistake came when he failed to deal with a cross that dropped into the far corner of the net.Most read in FootballHis second clanger, which came in second-half stoppage time, denied United a 2-1 victory and resulted in the tie being level going into next week’s return leg at the Theatre of Dreams.Andre Onana suffers shocking howler to put Man Utd behind after being booed and insulted during warm-up over Matic spatUnited boss Ruben Amorim came out and defended the calamitous Cameroonian, saying: “If you look at the season, I’ve made more mistakes than them during these last games and during these last months.”There’s nothing I can say to Andre in this moment that will help him.”So the most important thing is to be natural and then when the time comes I will choose the best XI to play.”But I’m really confident in Andre.”Andre Onana’s stoppage-time clanger denied United victory in LyonCredit: GETTY More

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    Mo Salah FINALLY signs new two-year, £42m Liverpool contract… and Virgil van Dijk ‘will follow after agreeing deal’

    MO SALAH has finally signed a new Liverpool contract to end speculation over his future.The iconic forward, 32, has penned terms on a deal keeping him “beyond” this season – with reports in Egypt claiming he will pocket up to £400,000 a week.Mo Salah has signed a new contract to stay at LiverpoolCredit: AFPVirgil van Dijk is also on the verge of extending his stayCredit: GettyAnd captain Virgil van Dijk is set to follow suit too after agreeing his own extension,Liverpool confirmed Salah’s deal without saying how long it runs for, revealing: “Liverpool FC can announce Mohamed Salah has signed a new contract that will keep him with the club beyond the 2024-25 season.”Today’s news means Salah will extend an eight-year stay at Anfield into the future and continue to help Arne Slot’s team challenge for the game’s biggest honours.”But the Athletic claims Salah’s contract will run for a further two years until 2027, meaning he will pocket a tasty total of £41.6million in fresh wages.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt marks the end of a drawn-out saga that would have seen Salah become a free agent this summer.The Premier League and Champions League winner, who looks set to add another title to his trophy cabinet, announced his new contract in brilliant fashion.Salah posted a number of pictures to social media showing him posing at Anfield – without captioning them for a reference.But he did go on to explain why he had snubbed interest from Saudi Arabia to remain at Liverpool, with reports from Salah’s homeland claiming he was offered annual wages of £130m to ditch the Reds.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBut the veteran rejected the offers due his legacy, his desire to break more records and to fulfil his ultimate dream of winning the Ballon d’Or.He will also be pocketing £400,000-a-week according to reports in Egypt – a rise on his current £350,000-a-week deal.Moment Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are pulled apart after apparent spat during Liverpool training Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to leave on a free for Real MadridCredit: GettySalah has netted 184 Prem goals for Liverpool, making him the joint-fifth all-time scorer with Man City legend Sergio Aguero, and is just 39 strikes off second-place Harry Kane.Salah, who joined Liverpool in 2017 from Roma, said: “Of course I’m very excited. We have a great team now. Before also we had a great team. “But I signed because I think we have a chance to win other trophies and enjoy my football.“It’s great, I had my best years here. I played eight years, hopefully it’s going to be 10. Enjoying my life here, enjoying my football. I had the best years in my career.“I would like to say to [the fans], I am very, very happy to be here. I signed here because I believe we can win a lot of big trophies together. “Keep supporting us and we’ll give it our best, and hopefully in the future we’re going to win more trophies.”Since joining Liverpool eight years ago for just £36.5million, Salah has gone on to score 243 goals in 394 games.He is the league’s top scorer this term with 27 strikes to his name – six more than Man City’s Erling Haaland.And Salah’s goals have helped Liverpool move 11 points clear at the top of the table with just seven games remaining.Arne Slot will be delighted to have secured his star man’s future as attention turns to Van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold.Van Dijk is also expected to pen a new two-year contract to stay at Anfield and avoid becoming a free agent.Read More on The SunTransfer guru Fabrizio Romano has revealed that he will put pen to paper on a new two-year deal before the end of the season.But Alexander-Arnold has reportedly agreed a five-year deal to join Real Madrid, ending his 21-year stay at Liverpool. More

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    Bed-ridden Eddie Howe forced to pull out of Newcastle press conference after falling ill just days before Man Utd clash

    EDDIE HOWE has been forced to pull out of Newcastle’s pre-match press conference with illness.It comes as the Magpies prepare to take on Manchester United this weekend.Eddie Howe has been forced to withdraw from his pre-match press conferenceCredit: PAHis assistant, Jason Tindall, will take the press conference instead.Newcastle host the Red Devils at St James’ Park on Sunday.It is currently unclear whether Howe will be in the dugout for the Premier League clash or notA short statement from the club read: “Due to illness, please note that Jason Tindall will take this morning’s pre-match press conference as a replacement for Eddie Howe.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTindall gave an update on Howe while addressing the media on Friday morning.He said: “He’s been really poorly. Bed-ridden. We’ve been in daily contact but it’s not affected any of the preparations.”Still got a few days and hopefully he’ll be back for weekend.”The Magpies last match saw them face Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Monday with Howe showing no signs of illness during the game.Most read in FootballThey cruised to a 3-0 win over Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side thanks to an early brace from Jacob Murphy and a 34th-minute strike from Harvey Barnes.Following the match, Howe said: “Impressive, but really professional as well in terms of the way that the players took the game.Eddie Howe ‘hungry for more’ silverware as he celebrates Newcastle’s success “We stuck to our task, we were professional, really good to get a clean sheet, and three goals.”I don’t think we were at our very best today.”We certainly need an upturn in performance if we’re going to win the next three.”Newcastle currently sit fifth in the Premier League table – in the Champions League positions.England earned a fifth spot in Europe’s elite competition earlier this week following Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Real Madrid.A win on Sunday could take the Magpies above Chelsea and up to fourth.Newcastle assistant Jason Tindall will take the press conference insteadCredit: Getty More

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    ‘He’s probably wished he kept his mouth shut’ – Man Utd legend Scholes launches furious blast at Onana after Matic spat

    PAUL SCHOLES launched a furious blast at Andre Onana in the wake of the Manchester United star’s spat with Nemanja Matic.Onana was involved in a furious war of words with ex-Red Devils midfielder Matic before last night’s Europa League clash against Lyon.Paul Scholes blasted Andre Onana after Man Utd’s 2-2 draw with LyonThe goalie made several howlers after his war of words with Nemanja MaticCredit: GettyOnana declared “at least I’ve won a trophy” after Matic branded him the “worst goalkeeper in United’s history.”And the two men finally met on Thursday as Ruben Amorim’s men escaped France with a 2-2 draw.Onana committed howlers for both of Lyon’s goals, including a 95th minute equaliser just moments after Joshua Zirkzee looked to have given United the win.Matic remained on the bench for the match but is sure to have felt justified over his pre-match comments as a result of Onana’s blunders.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd speaking on TNT Sports, another former United midfielder in the form of iconic playmaker Scholes launched a furious attack on Onana.Speaking at half-time after the keeper had produced a blunder for Lyon’s first goal, Scholes said: “He (Onana) has probably wished he had kept his mouth shut before the game.“It’s a really bad mistake. It’s a decent ball but I’m not sure what the keeper is trying to do. It’s an awful mistake from him.”At full time, Scholes continued his rant against Onana.Most read in Europa LeagueJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordHe added: “I think Onana was more so at fault for the first, a huge mistake, a little harder but he has to do better than that.“On the whole it’s the right result, Lyon played the better football and created more opportunities.Ruben Amorim responds to question about dropping Andre Onana after disasterclass against LyonMatic was an unused sub in the clash after criticising OnanaCredit: Alamy“But after scoring so late, United will be disappointed and they are in a good position at home, so they should still be big favourites but they will have to improve.”Meanwhile, commentator and former United academy man Robbie Savage also criticised Onana.Reflecting on the first goal, he said: “It’s a goalkeeper error. It’s a good ball into a great area.“Is Onana anticipating a touch? Everybody looks onside, it’s a terrible goalkeeping error.“It bounces just in front of him, he’s got to save that, it’s a poor goalkeeping error.“He has dived late because he is waiting for someone to get a touch. We can watch it as many times as we like – it’s an error.”Man Utd ratings vs Lyon as two Onana blunders earn under-fire keeper a ONE out of 10MANCHESTER UNITED were left ruing calamity goalkeeper Andre Onana as two massive blunders saw them leave their Europa League quarter-final first leg with a 2-2 draw against Lyon.The season-defining clash for both clubs became even spicier ahead of the game following a war words between Onana and ex-Red Devils star Nemanja Matic, with the Serbian dubbing the goalkeeper “one of the worst in United history”.It certainly riled up the home side’s crowd, who made their voices known as Ruben Amorim named an unchanged team – for the first time since his arrival – from the Manchester derby.But Onana was found wanting when he failed to save Thiago Almada’s inswinging free-kick to give the hosts the lead.Leny Yoro nodded in an equaliser just before the interval after Manuel Ugarte’s volley.And Joshua Zirkzee looked to have won the game for the visitors with his late header converting a Fernandes cross.But United’s joy was short-lived as Onana parried a shot straight to Rayan Cherki in added time, and the midfielder tapped in to leave the tie on a knife-edge.Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Red Devils in France… More

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    Man Utd fans ‘pepper sprayed trying to use the toilet’ in stadium after Lyon clash as French police slammed

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans were reportedly “pepper-sprayed” for trying to use the toilet after their Europa League clash with Lyon.Shocking footage circulating on social media shows fans in the away end coughing and struggling to breath clearly.Manchester United drew the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final clash with Lyon 2-2Credit: APScores of United fans were allegedly pepper-sprayed by police for trying to go to the loo after the final whistleCredit: JASON WHITE VIA STORYFULA video on social media showed travelling Red Devils claim French police fired tear gas into the crowdCredit: JASON WHITE VIA STORYFULUnited fans were left outraged by the alleged use of pepper-spray and tear gasCredit: JASON WHITE VIA STORYFULTravelling Red Devils fans witnessed their team draw the first leg of their quarter-final clash with the Ligue 1 side 2-2.French police kept them in Parc Olympique Lyonnais for an hour after the game to prevent potential clashes with home fans – a tactic not uncommon at high profile European games.But according to reports from travelling Old Trafford faithful, police hit them with pepper spray when they tried to briefly leave their seats to go to the loo.United fan James Young shared a photo on X of two fans covering their mouths after allegedly being pepper-sprayed.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSHis accompanying caption read: “United fans pepper sprayed at full time trying to use the toilet in Lyon.”Bussed into stadium from a collection point miles away, metro down and an hour’s holdback after the game.”UEFA/ French Police once again treating fans terribly.”Club reporter Harry Robson wrote: “Frustrating end to United’s game in Lyon.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”Fans warned of an hour’s holdback, but with full access to facilities.”French police have locked off the toilets and concourse are now pepper spraying behind riot shields.Ruben Amorim responds to question about dropping Andre Onana after disasterclass against Lyon”Thanks for the hospitality, France.”A video circulating on social media appeared to show United fans – who endured a nightmare journey to the stadium due to Lyon’s metro system being down – reacting to French police firing tear gas into the away end.In the clip, a United fan can be heard saying: “‘Everyone has been f***ing tear-gassed here.”What the f***ing hell is going on here? How the f***ing hell can they be using tear-gas at a football match?”As the camera pans around, several fans can be seen covering their noses and mouths as they struggle to breath clearly.”Look at this, this is f***ing disgusting,” the furious fan continued. “People are being sick down here, f***ing hell.”Read More on The SunAnother video posted on social media appeared to show a group of United fans being pepper-sprayed while out on the streets of Lyon.United have yet to comment on claims that their fans were pepper-sprayed and subjected to heavy-handed policing, but, as have French police, have been approached for comment.Man Utd ratings vs Lyon as two Onana blunders earn under-fire keeper a ONE out of 10MANCHESTER UNITED were left ruing calamity goalkeeper Andre Onana as two massive blunders saw them leave their Europa League quarter-final first leg with a 2-2 draw against Lyon.The season-defining clash for both clubs became even spicier ahead of the game following a war words between Onana and ex-Red Devils star Nemanja Matic, with the Serbian dubbing the goalkeeper “one of the worst in United history”.It certainly riled up the home side’s crowd, who made their voices known as Ruben Amorim named an unchanged team – for the first time since his arrival – from the Manchester derby.But Onana was found wanting when he failed to save Thiago Almada’s inswinging free-kick to give the hosts the lead.Leny Yoro nodded in an equaliser just before the interval after Manuel Ugarte’s volley.And Joshua Zirkzee looked to have won the game for the visitors with his late header converting a Fernandes cross.But United’s joy was short-lived as Onana parried a shot straight to Rayan Cherki in added time, and the midfielder tapped in to leave the tie on a knife-edge.Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Red Devils in France… More

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    ‘He doesn’t like this team’ – Paul Scholes reveals what Ruben Amorim really thinks about Man Utd but will ‘never say’

    PAUL SCHOLES has claimed that Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim “doesn’t like” his squad.The Red Devils legend, 50, didn’t hold back in his assessment of Amorim and his squad following United’s 2-2 draw with Lyon in the Europa League quarter-finals on Thursday night.Paul Scholes has claimed that Ruben Amorim ‘doesn’t like’ his Manchester United squadCredit: TNT SPORTSAmorim watched as Man Utd drew 2-2 with Lyon in the Europa League on Thursday nightCredit: ReutersAndre Onana made two huge mistake to gift Lyon their goalsCredit: ReutersMan Utd were unable to take an advantage back to Old Trafford with them for the second leg after two Andre Onana howlers gifted Lyon a level playing field for next week’s return fixture.Boss Amorim was still pleased with what he saw from his players, telling the media that his side “did well” and are “improving game by game”.But Scholes, who won 11 Premier League titles and two Champions Leagues with Man Utd, wasn’t buying that assessment for a second – claiming Amorim doesn’t even believe it himself.Speaking on TNT Sports, the 66-time England international said: “I don’t think he believes that to be honest with you.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”I don’t think he likes this team. I think he knows he hasn’t got a great football team and I think he wants better – he needs better.”I think you could see that with the way he is on the touchline, he always looks disappointed to me.”The way he was speaking there tells me he’s disappointed with what he’s got. “He needs better, everyone knows he needs better if he’s going to challenge and be where Manchester United want to be. I think it’s all over the pitch”.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordHe added: “I don’t think they have control in the middle of the pitch. I don’t think the forward’s quality is quite there.”Look, he knows. He’s not stupid, he’s not going to say it, but he doesn’t like this football team”.Why Ruben Amorim’s Man United system is brokenScholes then hinted that it could take “two or three years” for United to fix their issues and improve on where they are at present.Amorim has made just one signing since his arrival at the Theatre of Dreams in November – the £25m arrival of full-back Patrick Dorgu.Man Utd will have the home advantage in next Thursday’s second-leg against Lyon.Man Utd ratings vs Lyon as two Onana blunders earn under-fire keeper a ONE out of 10MANCHESTER UNITED were left ruing calamity goalkeeper Andre Onana as two massive blunders saw them leave their Europa League quarter-final first leg with a 2-2 draw against Lyon.The season-defining clash for both clubs became even spicier ahead of the game following a war words between Onana and ex-Red Devils star Nemanja Matic, with the Serbian dubbing the goalkeeper “one of the worst in United history”.It certainly riled up the home side’s crowd, who made their voices known as Ruben Amorim named an unchanged team – for the first time since his arrival – from the Manchester derby.But Onana was found wanting when he failed to save Thiago Almada’s inswinging free-kick to give the hosts the lead.Leny Yoro nodded in an equaliser just before the interval after Manuel Ugarte’s volley.And Joshua Zirkzee looked to have won the game for the visitors with his late header converting a Fernandes cross.But United’s joy was short-lived as Onana parried a shot straight to Rayan Cherki in added time, and the midfielder tapped in to leave the tie on a knife-edge.Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Red Devils in France…And pressure will be mounting on the players ahead of a game which effectively makes or breaks their season.Having been dumped from both domestics cups and languishing in 13th spot in the Premier League – winning just 10 of their 31 league games – the Europa League is their last roll of the dice.Up next is a visit to Eddie Howe’s high-flying Newcastle on Sunday, before focus can then switch to the Europa League second leg. More

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    Rangers teenager stretchered off to applause after horror injury as TNT Sports refuse to show replay in Europa League

    RANGERS kid Bailey Rice was taken off on a stretcher to applause around Ibrox after a sickening head injury against Athletic Bilbao.TNT Sports declined to show replays of the 18-year-old’s nasty injury during the Gers’ astonishing Europa League quarter-final tie.Bailey Rice was able to applaud fans as he was carried offCredit: ReutersRice was hurt midway through the second period in only his second gameCredit: RexThe midfielder, making only his second European appearance, needed lengthy treatment midway through the second period after taking a heavy blow to the head.He was eventually taken off on a stretcher – as applause rang round Ibrox from both sets of supporters.Rice’s head was in a brace but he thankfully managed to raise his hands to clap fans back.And the gesture touched the heart of viewers.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne posted: “Brought a tear to my eye. Bailey Rice on a stretcher and obviously in difficulties and still managed to clap the fans.”Most fans welcomed TNT’s decision not to replay the incident in which the starlet suffered his injury.One wrote: “Good work by the broadcasters for not showing replays of those injuries to Bailey Rice. Hope it is not too serious.”Rice’s misfortune cast a shadow over a night where Rangers defied surging odds against them to claim a first-leg draw.Most read in Europa LeagueThe midfielder had his head in a brace as he went off on a stretcherCredit: GettyBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKRobin Propper had an early yellow card upgraded to red after VAR intervened.But Rangers clung on, only to lose Rice and then survive double drama soon after.Andre Onana suffers shocking howler to put Man Utd behind after being booed and insulted during warm-up over Matic spatAthletic sub Alex Berenguer had a goal ruled out after a lengthy VAR check for offside.But in the same review, the Video Assistant also helped referee Istvan Kovacs award a penalty for handball against defender Dujon Sterling.However, Rangers’ keeper Liam Kelly – called up in place of Jack Butland – thwarted Berenguer from the spot.And Barry Ferguson’s home side even ended the contest with nine men as Sterling went off crocked after all five subs had been used.Hero Kelly told TNT Sports: “I never actually had much to do in the game. “Once we went down to 10 men the guys in front of me were absolutely brilliant.Read More on The Sun”We didn’t really know what was happening [after Bilbao scored] and then all of a sudden you hear penalty.”I just wanted to help the team, I don’t really care about me.” More

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    Prince William stuns TNT pundits with football knowledge as Villa-loving future King is branded ‘man of the people’

    CLUTCHING his TNT Sports mic, Prince William casually dissected the tactics his beloved Aston Villa might employ against Paris Saint-Germain.“I think we all saw the Liverpool game and PSG’s intensity,” he told wide-eyed pundits Rio Ferdinand and Ally McCoist in a live six-minute TV masterclass.Prince William speaking at Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on Wednesday nightCredit: TNT SPORTSWills talking tactics with pundits Rio Ferdinand, left, and Ally McCoist before Villa’s match with Paris Saint-GermainCredit: TNT SPORTS“They gave a lot of pressure, they pressed very high. And so I think for Unai tonight, and the team, it’s about managing that press.”For the uninitiated, the future King was warning that Villa’s manager Unai Emery needed a game plan to cope with PSG’s ploy of defending high up the pitch.Seasoned internationals Ferdinand and McCoist nodded in agreement.This was the house of Windsor as we’ve rarely seen it.READ MORE ON PRINCE WILLIAMA monarchy shedding its stuffy image for something more modern is a PR triumph.But make no mistake, Will’s deep love and knowledge of the ­people’s game is absolutely genuine.Shortly before Wednesday’s Champions League tie kicked off, William added: “Unai likes it when teams come on to them and play quite a high press but obviously there’s a limit. Can we get around the press? Can we beat it? So I’m thinking long ball a bit.”The punditry was fast turning into a public relations triumph as social media buzzed with approval.Most read in FootballRelaxed in a casual jacket, William then began analysing PSG’s new approach of targeting youngsters rather than big-name players.He said: “I think not having Mbappe there, I think the PSG guys have talked about that quite a bit in the media, around not having the superstars maybe makes it a bit more of a gel.Prince William on fatherhood & football | Royal Exclusive Special“Vitinha in the midfield, I’ve been really impressed by, bearing in mind he was at Wolves two, three years ago and he could hardly get a game, and now look at him.”For a man once known more for polo than the Premier League, it was impressive stuff.Ex-England and Manchester United star Ferdinand told him: “Do not go for a punditry job, please, because I could be out of the game.”Fans watching at home were equally impressed.‘Passion we all share’One said: “Better analysis than most pundits.” Another supporter added: “He knows his stuff, defo.”Others remarked on William’s accent which has lost the regal ­formality of his elders.Times Radio presenter Andrew Neil said: “Charles and Anne speak in the same mannered, old-fashioned, upper-class way as their parents. William is much more normal.”The Prince was also seen in the tunnel, greeting the Villa players with encouraging hugs after they had warmed up on the pitch.It’s difficult to imagine Prince Philip or King George VI greeting Tyrone Mings with the welcome “big man!” and an endearing embrace.William also hugged Marcus Rashford and was heard saying, “Marcus, nice to see you, I missed you earlier.”Welcoming Marcus Rashford, top, while wishing Aston Villa players luck before they took to the pitchCredit: ESPNOnline gossip among fans questions if William may have influenced the player joining Villa from Manchester United.To top it off William, 42, was later seen in the stands with son George, 11, celebrating wildly when Villa went 1-0 up (they later lost 3-1).Last month the Prince told Shaun Custis — The Sun’s Head of Sport — that he lurks on Villa fan internet forums under a random name.And in January the Prince enjoyed a cider with eight diehard Villa fans in a Birmingham Wetherspoon pub.Looking a little at odds in jacket and tie, he nonetheless impressed his fellow Villans.Student Daniel Jones, 18, from Burntwood, Staffs, said the Prince was a “lovely guy, proper down-to-earth” who “loves Villa and the passion we all share”.Unlike that other Villa fan, ex-PM David Cameron, the Prince won’t be muddling the team up with those other claret and blues, West Ham.While William undoubtedly enjoys relieving the stresses of life cheering on the Villa, the telly punditry and the immersion in the game is also a slick PR move.Wills celebrating Villa’s shock lead with Prince George in standsCredit: GettyPrince William looking down alongside Prince George during the game, which Will’s team lost 3-1Credit: SplashThe Prince’s aides will have thought carefully before sending him out live on air with Ferdinand and McCoist.Royals usually favour sport which involves a four-legged nag.Although the late Queen presented the World Cup to Bobby Moore at Wembley in her white gloves — and attended a clutch of FA Cup finals — horse racing was her great love.Prince Philip liked carriage racing, Princess Anne eventing and Prince Harry polo.William’s promotion of football compares with his brother’s love of the equestrian sport which isn’t generally known for having players brought up on council estates.This is what Prince Harry said on the Netflix website about his recent five-part documentary called Polo: “This series offers audiences an unprecedented, behind-the-scenes look into the passion and determination driving some of the world’s elite polo players, revealing the grit behind the glamour.”Better analysis than most pundits.Football fanThe show was mauled by critics and questions were asked about ­viewing figures.Meanwhile, William’s away days with the Villa are dragging the ­monarchy into the modern world.It presents a youthful and less formal side to the Prince of Wales away from charity visits and royal tours.Appearances at Premier and Champions League games flash around the globe at a time when the Commonwealth is being stress-tested.When William accedes to the throne he will be head of state of — at least currently — 15 nations including Canada, Australia and Jamaica.A 2022 tour of the Caribbean by William and Kate has gone down in history as a misjudged howler.The poor optics included pictures of the royals shaking hands with Jamaican children through wire fences and a military parade in which the pair stood dressed in white in an open-top Land Rover.Local campaigners saw it as a throwback to colonialism.Seeing the future monarch and his son as down-to-earth footie fans won’t harm his global image.Zooming on e-scooterAnd don’t bet against William turning up at the USA World Cup in 2026, a land where image is everything and the rival Sussex brand vies for attention.The Prince will know American opinion pours into Britain via social media and the value of being well-regarded on the other side of the Atlantic.Villa have a Wembley FA Cup semi-final this month and could reach the Champions League semis.Broadcasters will be clamouring for Wills to take the mic to offer his words of footballing wisdom.The Villa punditry — and other recent nods to informality — provide clues to what a King William V monarchy will look like.On a trip last month to Estonia, William posed for dozens of pictures with well-wishers.Living in Adelaide Cottage without a live-in nanny, he was spotted zooming around nearby Windsor castle last year on an e-scooter.The Prince likes to arrange his formal day around the school run, and trips abroad as King are likely to be shorter and punchier.Formality and, perhaps, some of the pomp and pageantry will be out.There was no public investiture when he became Prince of Wales.William will now have to delicately balance the mystique of the monarchy and its age-old rituals with shifting its image into the 21st Century.Read More on The SunHis performance in Paris this week will have endeared him to many.As a footie pundit might say, the boy done good.Wills’ nerdy footballSUN readers were already well aware of how good Prince William’s football knowledge is after my interview with him last month.But, as if it needed confirmation, TNT pundits Rio Ferdinand and Ally McCoist tested him out ahead of the clash between PSG and William’s team, Aston Villa, in the Champions League on Wednesday.Wills didn’t hesitate as he assessed the importance of Villa managing PSG’s high press and analysed the improvement in the French team since the departure of superstar Kylian Mbappe.His nod to Vitinha, PSG’s Portuguese midfielder, and his development since his days at Wolves was proper nerdy football.But when it came to predictions, the Prince let his heart rule his head, going for a 2-1 Villa win.Ally, however, proved he is still king of the pundits as he correctly went for 3-1 to PSG. More